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5/26/2019 0 Comments Brain Candy - Lady Brain June NewsIt's June! Allow us to tune you in to some of the coolest shows and events happening around town this month featuring our Lady Brain members! Every Sunday - Mary Bee's Finding Harmony This travel docu-series follows singer and host Mary Bee on the adventure of a lifetime across Europe as she makes friends with and sings with artists in different countries. The series focuses on the love of music and friendships grown during collaboration. More info Saturday, June 1 - Art Around Adams Many of our members will be performing as a part of this two mile art and music walk throughout the communities of Normal Heights and Kensington. The free festival is scheduled from 12-8pm, with performances happening at various venues and stages. More info  Saturday, June 8 - Steph Johnson and Voices of Our City Choir at Laurel House Concert Series Join Steph Johnson, Voices of Our City Choir, and special guest Eve Selis from 7-10pm at this private concert series in Oceanside. $25 Tickets. More info  Monday, June 10 - Julia Sage and The Bad Hombres at Bar Pink Bar Pink Mondaze happen every second Monday of the month! This week, Tequila Corralejo presents Julia Sage and The Bad Hombres. Industry night with Corralejo drink specials and giveaways by the band at the end of the performance. No cover, 9:30pm. (PS- check out their brand new single!) More info  Saturday, June 15 - Voxy at Nate's Garden Grill Voxy will perform a free, kid-friendly brunch show from 12-2pm! Go support City Farmer's Nursery either before or after the show and get your urban farmer on. More info  Saturday, June 15 - Calamity at Old Poway Park Calamity is on this year's Sam Hinton Folk Festival lineup! The free festival starts at 11am, and you can catch their set at 1pm. More info  Sunday, June 16 - Lindsay White duo at Idyllwild Songwriters Festival Idyllwild has earned the distinction of becoming one of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America, and they are now the home Southern California's newest annual songwriters festival. The entire event runs from June 13-16, but you can watch Lindsay White and Jules Stewart take the stage on Sunday at 7pm. More info  Thursday, June 20 - Lady Brain Presents at Fair Trade Decor Our next community gathering is going to be one for the books! Karina Frost has curated an awesome lineup (Ren Daversa and The Wicked Cool, Calamity, Trish Naval, and The Banduvloons) for your listening pleasure. She has also dedicated 15% of the proceeds from the door to Madre Assunta shelter in Tijuana. The venue is a really cool boutique in Coronado that is keeping its doors open after hours to welcome us into their space. Your attendance supports local business, local artists, and most importantly, our sisters in need. More info  Find more info about these and other member happenings over at our Calendar page!
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Thanks to all who came out to support last night's community gathering in Barrio Logan at La Galeria Michel featuring Corina Rose Collective, The Slow Kill, Gaby Aparicio, Becca Jay Band, and The Banduvloons. Special thanks to Corina for organizing the showcase and to all our volunteers/supporters for helping out! If you want to learn more about our monthly gatherings, make sure to sign up for our mailing list! Make sure to mark your calendars for 6/20 at Fair Trade Decor in Coronado, as well as our first annual Lady Brain Fest on 7/7 at Heritage Ranch in Encinitas!  Boss Ladies is back! Each article in this series is written by a member about a member. This week, Jules Stewart reviews Baggage Claim, the latest release from Tori Roze and the Hot Mess.  San Diego band Tori Roze and the Hot Mess have been playing and recording music together for over a decade, and it shows. Their latest album, Baggage Claim (July 2018), oozes with the fluidity and cohesiveness only veteran bands can nail down. The attention to detail throughout the album is mind-boggling; instrumentation and sounds change significantly from start to finish and song structure perfectly suits each track as genres bend and melt together. Not once did it feel like an instrument or lyric was out of place. That is a stunning accomplishment for any ensemble to pull off, but for this talented six-piece act, it speaks to their unified, selfless pursuit of serving the music. With a heavy groove from the jump, “Trust Love” sets the tone for the album. I love that even with a wide array of available sounds, the band chooses restraint and starts with the “good bones” house flippers on those home renovation shows always look for: special guest Tim “Figgster” Newton on drums and Harley Magsino on bass lay down a solid spine that gradually gets built upon as the song progresses. The backing vocals (tracked by both Tori and her mom, Lee Clark) bring layers on layers of depth, effectively setting my expectations sky-high for the rest of the album. The sultry bossa nova feel of “Show Me” matches the open seduction of the lyrics, but there’s so much more to it. Rather than sticking to a mellow bossa groove, somehow the band gets to lay down fire without distracting from the heart of the song, a feat that is spectacularly hard to do well. Oh there’s a tasteful, jazzy flute solo? You win, officially. As a drummer, I’m taking notes on uncompromising feel from special guest Julien Cantelm. “Ride The Wave” settles into the most relaxed moment of the album while somehow gaining emotional momentum. The arrangement doesn’t overcomplicate the point; stripped instrumentation lets the listener focus on the message, which I hear as a much-needed call to loosen the heck up and let life move as it will. I was impressed with Tori's voice in the previous two tracks, but this is where I started to fall in love. Gorgeous guitar (from John Alexander) compliments the vocals and provides a lazy river for the listener to float down. Oh tremolo, take me home. Raise your hand if you’ve ever experienced a moment of indecision that feels like the weight of the world rests on it. “Oh Lord, Please” is a plea for a little wisdom in that moment, and as the band comes in, I get all the guidance I need. The arrangement is particularly intentional and powerful here and the breakdown section makes me want to lean farther into my headphones. “Slow Down” is a super-smooth flex of the diversity, instrumentation, and raw groove of this band. The bridge is smoother than Marvin Gaye, each dynamic swell toying with my emotions. “Irish Coffee” hits hard with a definite and surprising nod to reggae but with a heavy dose of jazz’s more complex melodic structure. Rhythmic stops give breathing room to the vocals, which are impressive and powerful in moments but relaxed and fluid in others. Killer brass from Jordan Morita (trombone) provides an unpredictable and delightful blending of genres. Watch out, jazz cats. In “My Life,” the repeating theme of sabotaging a boldy self-built life hits home among odd time signatures accented by drummer Charles Weller and non-standard chord progressions. I’m usually not blown away musically and emotionally connected to a song at the same time. How did you do that? Really, how? Listen, I didn’t think I was signing up for a therapy session right now, but “can’t live in my past if this gonna last” gives me a little dose of conviction in “Hiccup.” Hit me with a trombone solo and I’m pretty much crying. I’ve been on a healing journey through this song, and as a note to my exes, “I’ll forgive you when you forgive me.”  When “Just Say No” starts, I can just hear the sound of DJs everywhere hustling to snag the opening groove. This song might have the most infectiously catchy horn line since “Superstition.” When that screaming flute run pulls the song into another key/dimension/universe, I just about lose my mind. In the end, I like a good best friend song...or a good “I’m in love with you but don’t realize it” song, whichever. Finally, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” made me stop what I was doing. As a native Seattleite who (shhhhh, don’t tell anyone) isn’t crazy about Nirvana, I might be now. This cover does justice to the original while giving a completely new life to the song. I like the original more now because this cover made me appreciate the value of the song by framing it in a groovy, full, refreshing context. Guest drummer Rashaad Graham really drives the bus home. All my friends that hated me because I didn’t like Nirvana are saying thank you. My head didn’t stop bobbing once while listening to this album. It’s a masterpiece of groove, heart, and stank, start to finish. Featuring a host of guest musicians in addition to the ultra-talented band, these tracks are a collaborative labor of love. To nobody’s surprise, Baggage Claim was nominated for Best Pop Album at the 2019 San Diego Music Awards. You’re going to want to check this out. Find Baggage Claim: iTunes - Amazon - Spotify  Meet the Writer: Jules Stewart
Our Lady Brain blog writers work on a volunteer basis in support of their fellow members. If you enjoyed this article, please consider making a small donation to Jules via Venmo, which will help support her creative endeavors. Here are some live, local happenings from Lady Brain members going on this April! We hope one of these listings will inspire you to be physically present for some soul-inspiring, heart-healing art and music! Saturday, April 13 - The Spiritual Motels on Fallbrook Live Lineup The Spiritual Motels (Amy Day's duo project with songwriter Omar Musisko) will be performing a Fallbrook Live event at the Pala Mesa Resort on Saturday, April 13th. Other acts on the lineup include SDMA winner Casey Hensley, Julia Othmer, Nick Crook, and Grace & Jesse Batey.  Saturday, April 13 and Thursday, April 18 - Tori Roze & Johnny Alexander at Bella Vista Caffe Some more awesome duo action for your ear holes - catch Tori and Johnny not once, but twice this month at Bella Vista Caffe in La Jolla from 5:30-7:30pm.  Sunday, April 14 - Marlo Smith and Ren Diversa at Makers & Music Vintage and Handmade Faire Hang out with Marlo Smith and Ren Diversa from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, April 14 at Heritage Ranch in Encinitas for the Makers & Music Vintage and Handmade Fair.  Wednesday, April 17 - Lizzie Wann Poetry Book Release Party San Diego poet Lizzie Wann will be releasing her latest published work “The Hospice Bubble & Other Devastating Affirmations" on Wednesday, April 17 at Whistle Stop in South Park. (Pre-order copies now!) The event will include readings from Wann, Judy Reeves, Julie Corrales, Sharon Elise, and Robt O'Sulliven, with musical guest Lindsay White (full band, including fellow Lady Brain member Jules Stewart on drums).  Friday, April 19 - Astra Kelly at The Rabbit Hole This great venue in Normal Heights supports live, local artists with free nightly showcases - come out Friday, April 19 from 6-9pm to enjoy some tunes from Lady Brain member Astra Kelly.  Sunday, April 21 - Lady Brain Presents 1st Community Gathering & Easter Brunch Join us for the first Lady Brain Presents Community Gathering and brunch, featuring music from Lindsay White and Jean Mann (on tour from Seattle). The gathering will take place at a private residence in Hillcrest - limited seating available. Click here for more info and to RSVP!  Friday, April 26 - Chris Avetta Band at Moose Lodge Chris Avetta Band (also featuring LB member Jules Stewart on drums) will perform Friday, April 26th at Moose Lodge in Oceanside, starting at 8pm.  Saturday, April 27 - Chloe Lou at Riviera Supper Club Chloe Lou will play with her cover band Ron & The Reapers at Riviera. Show starts at 9pm!  Saturday, April 27 - Adams Avenue Unplugged in Normal Heights You can watch several Lady Brain performers at this year's Adams Avenue Unplugged free musical walkabout. Make sure to catch: 12:00pm - Marie Haddad - Kensington Cafe 1:00pm - CalAmity (ft. Cathryn Beeks) - The Ould Sod 1:00pm - The Banduvloons (ft. Karina Frost & Lillian Lefranc) - El Zarape 2:00pm - Rosa's Cantina (ft. Carissa Schroeder) - The Rabbit Hole 7:00pm - Dixie Maxwell (w/ Paige Miller on percussion) - Lestat's West 7:00pm - Corina Rose - AC Lounge 8:00pm - The Spiritual Motels (ft. Amy Day) - Polite Provisions Saturday-Sunday, April 27 & 28 - Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy Just like Adams Avenue Unplugged, this (also free!) April event in Little Italy features an amazing lineup of local creatives. While at Art Walk, don't forget to check out some of our Lady Brain members! Saturday: 11:00am - Allegra Duchaine Sunday: 3:30pm - Marie Haddad - India & Fir St. (playing w/ band and special guests) 3:30pm - Jessica Lerner duo - Second Stage 5:00pm - Corina Rose - Cedar & India
Welcome to Boss Ladies, a blog series dedicated entirely toward featuring and promoting our talented Lady Brian Members and their creative work. Keeping with our mission of collaboration and service, each article in this series is written by a member about a member. We encourage you to discover and support not only the subject of each review, but also the writer! This week, Jules Stewart reviews Blue Space, the latest EP from Golden Howl (featuring Lady Brain members Marlo Smith and Rachel Riba).
It’s often difficult to appreciate the depth of another person’s experience, to empathize with the extent of either their joy or sorrow. But Golden Howl’s latest EP Blue Space envelops listeners in a whirlwind of emotion, from awe to heartbreak, rolling out an invitation into the band’s heart. The second project from the band in the three years since they formed, Blue Space is a collection of richly-crafted soundscapes that raises an already high bar set by the band’s first EP, Mighty Mighty.
Blue Space starts triumphantly with “CO,” a song that pays just enough homage to the bluegrass and country music Colorado is known for with guitarist Dimitry Zingerman’s ascending riffs and thrumming low end from bassist Jeff Johnson. The band tips its hat to the wild west, never losing touch with the gilded layers of harmony and percussion that define the band’s sound. Horn swells provided by Andy “AG” Geib (Wise Monkey Orchestra, Slightly Stoopid) impart the elation that comes with discovering an unknown place with an expanding heart. When vocalist/guitar player Christopher Balcom admits “you left me thinking about a different life, far from the city lights,” it evokes the surprise of falling in love with a landscape and the compelling need to return felt even before leaving. Before the first words are heard, heartache is apparent in “Hold Tight.” Here, again, the lyrics and instrumentation communicate a single message, as the song gains solid footing only after vocalist and drummer Marlo Smith strongly ties hope to struggle with a convincing promise that “the cold is where you’ll find your soul.” The complex and soaring harmonies are at once stirring and melancholy, evoking a cathartic palette of sorrow, expectation, and optimism. The refrain “memories that we once had, they turn to sand” relay the almost universal pain of dissolution at the end of a relationship, but assurances of healing are so intertwined with adversity that the listener ends the song feeling restored and hopeful. 
Rachel Riba’s percussion carries the momentum of “Waterfall” with a rhythmic nod to the flow of water in the band’s interpretation of a poem by Stephen O’Shea. The glassy, high-motion keys from Shannon O'Shea help create the glistening tapestry that turns the poem into an auditory monument. At the song’s peak, the band harnesses space and simplicity to ramp up the emotional impact to a level rarely achieved, particularly in a studio recording.
Throughout Blue Space Golden Howl imparts energy, authenticity, and emotion that refuse to be ignored. The brilliant musicality and production (by Jeff Berkeley of Berkley Sound) work in tandem with the lyrics to create a nearly endless array of points of connection and empathy from the listener. Blue Space sits comfortably as a spectacular second chapter in Golden Howl’s story. Find Blue Space: iTunes - Amazon - Spotify
Meet the Writer: Jules Stewart
Our Lady Brain blog writers work on a volunteer basis in support of their fellow members. If you enjoyed this article, please consider making a small donation to Jules via Venmo, which will help support her creative endeavors.
Welcome to Boss Ladies, a blog series dedicated entirely toward featuring and promoting our talented Lady Brian Members and their creative work. Keeping with our mission of collaboration and service, each article in this series is written by a member about a member. We encourage you to discover and support not only the subject of each review, but also the writer! Without further ado, check out our first Boss Ladies review featuring Corina Rose, written by Jules Stewart.
Corina Rose’s unique upbringing as the child of two political activists is inherently apparent while listening to her album, Our Love Is Freedom. Her uncommon attention to the beauty in her surroundings and strong sense of spirituality inform each track while she encourages listeners to follow her as she explores the many facets of love. Our Love Is Freedom is an ambitious, confident evolution from her sophomore album, Love Is Everywhere, though the transparent and heartfelt optimism of Corina Rose’s music has stayed fiercely put. The album was released on January 4th, 2019 and was nominated for a San Diego Music Award in the category of Best Pop Album.
Pop seems too small a label, though, as Our Love is Freedom blends genres with unexpected fluidity. Reggae influences are peppered throughout the album and are especially prominent in “I Prayed for You” and “It Takes Love.” Latin rhythms carry “Sweet Potato,” and jazz influences become apparent in “Magick” as well as the album’s title track, “Our Love Is Freedom.” The instrumentation transcends genre, too, from the saxophone woven throughout “I Prayed For You” to the surprisingly fitting synths on “All the Love in the World.” From the start, “I Prayed for You” sets both the conceptual and rhythmic tone of the album with stirring hand percussion and a hopeful declaration of fulfilled longing. “Magick” eases the listener into a picture of comfortable intimacy despite the fear that comes with trusting another, a message that’s carried by the tentative feel of jazz guitar juxtaposed against a relentless, relaxed groove. The transformative power of that intimacy is explored in the title track and celebrated in “Sweet Potato.” The album’s most laid-back moment, “Under the Stars,” uses melodic leads to tell a tender love story celebrating the small nuances that pull us toward each other. In what is perhaps the album’s most dramatic tonal shift, “All the Love in the World” makes use of a vast landscape of instrumentation to underscore the fullness love brings. Attention then shifts outward toward community, connection, and compassion as “It Takes Love” cleverly slows time to allow the listener to reflect on the importance of self-care and compassion. The album closes with the bare-boned, emotional “Love Is Everywhere,” a picture of hard-won self-love that urges listeners to open their hearts to the beauty around them. Taken as a whole, Our Love is Freedom presents a complex vision of love beyond the physical realm and gives a relatable, first-person account of the transformative power of self-compassion and love. Find Our Love Is Freedom: Spotify - iTunes - Amazon Music
Meet the Writer: Jules Stewart
Our Lady Brain blog writers work on a volunteer basis in support of their fellow members. If you enjoyed this article, please consider making a small donation to Jules via Venmo, which will help support her creative endeavors. |
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May 2019
CategoriesAll Allegra Duchaine Amy Day Astra Kelly Becca Jay Boss Ladies Brain Candy CalAmity Carissa Schroeder Cathryn Beeks Chris Avetta Community Gathering Corina Rose Dixie Maxwell Emma Byrd Gaby Aparicio Golden Howl Heather Marie Jean Mann Jessica Lerner Jules Stewart Julia Sage Karina Frost KC Deichler Lady Brain Presents Lindsay White Live Music Lizabeth Yandel Lizzie Wann Marie Haddad Marlo Smith Mary Bee MC Flow Miki Vale Naiomi New Music New Video Paige Miller Podunk Nowhere Rachel Riba Ren Daversa Ren Diversa Reviews Rosa's Cantina Rosy Dawn San Diego Music Awards Support The Banduvloons The Spiritual Motels Tori Roze Unison Colthurst Veronica May Whitney Shay |
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